An object of endless allure since ancient times, the kite still has an enchanting and seductive quality recognized by young and old alike. Beginning with a fascinating and complete history of kites and kite flying, Pelham recounts how kites have not only provided endless hours of pleasure, relaxation, and exercise but were also used for signalling over vast distances, fishing, measuring, and divining the secrets of the atmosphere (not to mention the kite's greatest role, as precursor to the airplane).

This marvelously illustrated book contains absolutely every fact about the construction and flying of kites and includes over 100 how-to diagrams, from the simple to the challenging, from paper to fabric, with all the information necessary for building kites from scratch.